The Noble Consort is the most favored in the harem

Chapter 77 - Moving to Zeping

Lin Wanyi was completely awake.

If she did embroidery at this late hour, it would surely strain her eyes.

So she thought for a moment and then said to Xia An.

"Did you bring the black and white chess set my father made for me?"

"Yes, Xiaozhu, I did. Do you want to use it now?"

"Yes, I've slept all day and can't lie down anymore. Let's take it out and play."

"But My Lady, playing chess might be quite taxing."

"No matter, I'll play against myself. It's not about winning or losing, just for some fun."

Xia An couldn't argue with Lin Wanyi and had to follow her orders.

Master Lin, worried that his daughter would be bored in the palace, had prepared many intricate toys for her, all thoughtfully designed.

They were perfect for passing the time.

Originally, Xia An thought they would be a novelty in the palace.

Unexpectedly, they were useful in this situation.

To prevent Lin Wanyi from straining her eyes, she placed two palace lanterns on either side.

The light was soft and not too dim.

Left hand holding white pieces, right hand holding black pieces, one attacking, one defending.

The fun of playing against herself was indeed a good way to pass the time.

She was engrossed in her game when she suddenly heard an exclamation at the door.

Frowning, she looked outside. Who would come at this hour? When the visitor entered, even Xia An and Lin Wanyi were surprised.

"Your Majesty, why are you here?"

The emperor, dressed in a black brocade robe embroidered with a golden dragon, walked in under the moonlight, adding a touch of solemnity.

"Why are the lights still on in your palace so late?"

"I slept all afternoon and am not sleepy now, so I got up to sit for a while."

Then, Xia An brought warm water for the emperor to wash his hands.

As he washed, Lin Wanyi asked.

"Your Majesty, shouldn't you be resting now?"

"I just moved to Qiqing Hall, and there are many of my father's belongings there. Seeing them made me feel a bit melancholic, so I came out for a walk."

Out for a walk?

So late, was the emperor planning to stroll around the palace?

But he was the supreme ruler, and if he wanted to take a night walk, no one could object.

"Playing chess so late, aren't you afraid it will make you more awake?"

He walked to the couch, took off his shoes, and got on.

After carefully looking at the board, the emperor frowned.

"What kind of game is this? It doesn't look like Go."

Lin Wanyi smiled, walked to the opposite side, and said.

"It's not Go. This is a game I often play with my father in our leisure time. The goal is to connect five pieces in a row, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally."

"Connecting five pieces in a row? That's interesting."

As he spoke, he picked up a black piece, looked around, and placed it on the board.